HP6: Acute toxicity
Waste which can cause acute toxic effects following oral or dermal administration, or inhalation exposure.
What this usually means in practice
HP6 is the acute poisoning category. It applies where a waste can cause harmful or fatal effects quickly after swallowing, skin exposure or inhalation.
Definition
Exact definition wording taken from WM3 Appendix C / Annex III for this hazardous property.
waste which can cause acute toxic effects following oral or dermal administration, or inhalation exposure.
What to check when assessing this property
Use the official definition, composition data and waste-process knowledge together. These points are meant to help frame the assessment, not replace WM3.
- Check the acute toxicity classes and route-specific H300 to H332 hazard statements in the mixture.
- Assess oral, dermal and inhalation pathways separately because thresholds differ by route.
- Where composition is uncertain, confirm whether the waste may contain concentrated toxic residues or contaminated absorbents.
Supporting points
Additional points shown where the official definition or WM3 guidance breaks the hazard into categories or clarifications.
- Oral thresholds are Acute Tox. 1 and 2 / H300 at 0.1% and 0.25%, H301 at 5%, and H302 at 25%.
- Dermal thresholds are Acute Tox. 1 and 2 / H310 at 0.25% and 2.5%, H311 at 15%, and H312 at 55%.
- Inhalation thresholds are Acute Tox. 1 and 2 / H330 at 0.1% and 0.5%, H331 at 3.5%, and H332 at 22.5%.
How to use this page
Hazardous properties explain why a waste may be hazardous. They sit alongside EWC classification and they do not replace formal WM3 assessment or site acceptance checks.
1. Start with the waste
Identify the likely EWC entry, the process that produced the waste and whether it is part of a mirror-entry assessment.
2. Check the hazard evidence
Use composition data, SDSs, testing, pH, flash point and process knowledge as relevant to the property in question.
3. Confirm the final outcome
Confirm the conclusion against WM3 and any permit-specific or site-specific acceptance requirements before relying on it.
Wording is based on Annex III of the consolidated Waste Framework Directive opens in a new tab and should be used alongside Waste classification technical guidance (WM3, 3rd edition, 2021) — GOV.UK opens in a new tab.